More than 20 years ago, Pedro Winter (Busy. P) founded Ed Banger Records in Paris after serving as Daft Punk's manager. The label quickly established itself as the jewel of the French electronic music scene, bringing together artists such as Justice, Mr. Oizo, Cassius, Laurent Garnier, DJ Mehdi, Mr. Flash, Breakbot, and more recently Para One, MYD, and Brodinski.
These are well-known figures both nationally and internationally who shaped the electro legend, the famous French Touch, and gave birth to the "Ed Banger sound." Pedro Winter defines it as being based on the energy of hip-hop, the legacy of rock, and the "hypnotic" compression of techno. In reality, it is a very electronic and saturated sound that has become a true trademark.
ED BANGER: SUCCESS AFTER SUCCESS
The label's rise to prominence is nothing short of phenomenal, with world tours such as that of Justice, Ed Banger's true spearhead. The duo is responsible for much of the label's commercial success and reputation (two Victoires de la Musique awards thanks to the classics Water of Nazareth, D.A.N.C.E., DVNO, and Genesis).
Ed Banger is also associated with deaths that left a lasting impression due to their premature nature: we think of DJ Mehdi and Cassius, who got hundreds of thousands of people around the world dancing. As for Breakbot, one of the label's latest successful discoveries, he began to emerge in the early 2010s thanks to his festive funk.
A BANGER'S UNIVERSE
The French label has succeeded in creating its own universe thanks to wild live performances, which Busy P specializes in, and the creations of its artistic director, So Me. Born Bertrand de Langeron, he has defined Ed Banger's entire graphic identity, both for the artists' communications and their music videos (we all remember D.A.N.C.E.'s video). Once again, it's a success. So Me has since become a renowned designer, creating the new Heineken bottle and a music video for Kanye West.
Today, Ed Banger is still as popular and recognized in the world of electronic music as ever, but has perhaps suffered a slight decline in momentum over the past few years.